20031205 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20031020

9 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission K?
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
TO: John R. Dorney, Division of Water Quality
Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources WERANDS / 401("'ROUFF
Steve Chapin, USACOE OCT 2 0 2003
Asheville Regulatory Field Office
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator WATER OUAL'I SECTION
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: October 12, 2003
SUBJECT: Wilkinson Boulevard/Billy Graham Parkway Interchange Improvements, DWQ
No. 031205, Taggart Creek and Unnamed Tributaries Taggart Creek,
Mecklenburg County
The City of Charlotte proposes to relocate existing roadways to improve connectivity in the
referenced area. Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are familiar
with habitat values in the area. These comments are provided in accordance with the provisions
of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and
the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A-1 through 113A-10; NCAC 25).
The project will extend Westport road to Mulberry Church Road as well as relocate the
intersection of Mulberry Church Road and Wilkinson Boulevard westward. A total of 395 linear
feet of impacts will occur to perennial streams. Additional impacts will occur to 130 linear feet
of perennial streambanks and 135 linear feet of intermittent or unimportant channel.
Miscellaneous riprap impacts will occur due to stabilization activities. Compensatory mitigation
is proposed using mitigation credits from the Hope Park Branch Stream Restoration project and
by removal of a dual 96" pipe located on the existing Mulberry Church Road.
Although we are concerned about the cumulative impacts of road projects and their secondary
impacts, we will not object to the project provided the following conditions (not prioritized) are
implemented:
1. Culverts 48" or larger should be buried one (1) foot into the streambed. Culverts less
than 48" diameter should be buried to a depth equal to or greater than 20% their size
to allow for aquatic life passage. These measurements must be based on natural
thalweg depths. All waters should flow through the culverts without freefalling or
damming on either end during low flow conditions to maintain aquatic life passage.
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] ext. 281 • Fax: [phone]
Wilkinson Boulevard/ 2 October 12, 2003
Billy Graham Parkway Interchange
2. Where multiple barrels are installed, a barrel(s) should be installed as described
above to receive base flow. Base flow barrel design widths must be determined from
natural channel widths and depths. Baffling may be installed in base flow barrels to
mimic natural stream pattern and dimension in the barrel and to maintain stream
geomorphology. The remaining barrels should be designed and placed on natural
floodplain bench elevation, connected to floodplain benches and receive only
stormwater flows.
3. Any riprap used must be installed to in a manner to maintain thalweg dimensions so
as not interfere with aquatic life movement during low flows.
4. The dimension, pattern, and profile of streams above and below base flow barrels
should not be modified by widening the stream channel or reducing the depth of the
stream. Alternatively, previously disturbed floodplains and streams should be
restored to natural geomorphic conditions.
5. If concrete will be used, work must be accomplished so that wet concrete does not
contact stream water.
6. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in the stream channel
in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other
pollutants into the stream.
7. Stringent erosion control measures should be installed where soil is disturbed and
maintained until project completion. Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation
should be planted on all bare soil within five working days of ground disturbing
activities in the steam buffer to provide long-term erosion control. We encourage the
use of onsite vegetation and materials for streambank stabilization when practicable.
8. To offset the loss of terrestrial habitats from new roadways and/or to improve local
habitat values and stormwater issues, we recommend that old abandoned roadways
be reforested using native vegetation. These areas should be permanently preserved
through conservation easements. The provision of small walking trails may be
considered. We recommend consultation with a professional North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission biologist to further discuss planting schedules and
reclamation activities. Wildlife biologist, Jack Mason can be reached at 828/396-
5363. Additional planting suggestions and plant supply sources may be obtained
from Stewardship biologist, Elizabeth Hughes at 828/274-3646.
9. Stormwater management is recommended that precludes direct discharges of road
runoff to area streams. Typical curbing and guttering should be avoided. Low
Impact Development (LID) techniques are recommended. Information on LID
measures can be found at www.lowimpactdevelopment.ora.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the early planning
stages. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336/769-9453.
Cc: Cynthia Van Der Wiele, DWQ
Marella Buncick, USFWS
Becky Fox, EPA
Marla Chambers, WRC
Mark Cantrell, USFWS